2022 was an eventful year for Johnson County Government. The county supported the Johnson County community with key projects and initiatives, including response to public health issues, new criminal justice strategies, planning and development efforts, sustainability achievements and more.

Learn more about how Johnson County’s Board of County Commissioners, leadership and staff worked alongside the community to make Johnson County a premier place to live, work and play in 2022.

2023 budget supports key services, addresses workforce challenges

The Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2023 fiscal year budget in September. The budget totals $1.65 billion and reduces the mill levies in all three of the county’s taxing districts – the fifth mill levy reduction in six years.

The county plans to spend roughly 26% on public safety, judicial and emergency services; almost 12% on cultural and recreation; and 10% on human services in 2023. The budget also includes funding to address workforce challenges and additional personnel for public services and public safety.

Chairman Eilert announces retirement after 44 years of public service

Ed Eilert, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, is set to retire after 44 years public service, including 16 years on the board. A public retirement reception will take place Friday, Jan. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center.

Mike Kelly, elected as the new chairman in Nov. 2022, will be sworn in along with three re-elected members of the board on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. Kelly has served as mayor of Roeland Park for the past four years.

Johnson County addresses affordable housing and homelessness

Johnson County made several efforts in 2022 to address homelessness and affordable housing in the community. The board allocated funding for these issues throughout the year. Based on recommendations by a sub-committee, the county is recruiting for a new Housing Coordinator position and studying the financial sustainability of opening a community shelter.

Management of transit returns to Johnson County, services expand in 2022

Transit underwent several big changes in 2022. In April, the board voted to return day-to-day management of Johnson County Transit from the Kansas City Transportation Authority back to the county – falling within Public Works. Micro Transit increased its service capabilities in July, expanding its service area to Gardner, Edgerton and the Plaza and adding Sunday service. For their efforts, Micro Transit and RideKC received an award for outstanding public transportation system.

JCDHE continues COVID-19 efforts, responds to mpox

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment continued its response to COVID-19 in Johnson County this year. JCDHE began distributing at-home COVID-19 tests in April and began offering bivalent COVID-19 boosters in September. JCDHE also responded to another public health issue, mpox, after the first presumptive positive case in the county in July.

988 suicide prevention dialing code launches

In July, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to the 988 dialing code to help those experiencing a mental health crisis. As part of the network, Johnson County Mental Health Center receives 988 calls from Johnson County phone numbers. Johnson County added four full-time Crisis Call Specialists to help with 988 call response in the county.

Criminal justice initiatives include new dashboard, funding to plan for new mental health court

Johnson County continued its forward-thinking approach to criminal justice, with several new initiatives that showcase innovative strategies:

• The new Stepping Up dashboard launched in March, which tracks the effectiveness of mental health services provided to incarcerated individuals.
• Johnson County received a federal grant in October to begin planning for the development of a Mental Health Court, to help people with severe mental illness from returning to the criminal justice system.
• Johnson County joined three other counties as a Familiar Faces Initiative Peer-Learning Site in November, acting as a national model for innovative health and justice data systems.

Johnson County Museum receives national accreditation

The Johnson County Museum celebrated its first-ever national accreditation in April. This is the highest recognition museums can earn, with only 3% of museums nationwide earning accreditation – and only two in the Greater Kansas City area. The museum’s Redlined exhibition was open throughout the year, exploring the history of racially motivated redlining policies.

New park among completed projects in 2022

Johnson County completed several key projects throughout the community, providing improved services and amenities to the public.

• Cedar Niles Park: JCPRD’s newest park, Cedar Niles Park, opened in January. The park encompasses 957 acres west of K-7, from approximately 119th to 135th Street.
• Central Resource Library: Johnson County Library’s Central Resource Library in Overland Park reopened in February. New amenities include a new drive-thru window and expanded Kids area.
• Tomahawk Wastewater Treatment Facility: Johnson County Wastewater’s Tomahawk Wastewater Treatment Facility reopened in May following a $270 million expansion. The expansion will improve water quality and cost-effectiveness of treatment.

Amendments to allow utility-scale solar facilities in Johnson County

In June, the Board of County Commissioners voted to allow Utility-Scale Solar Facilities in unincorporated Johnson County. This followed more than a year of meetings and public input regarding these types of facilities, which provide power to large areas.

The county’s newly approved resolutions now allow USSFs under specific regulations.

Time capsule discovered at old courthouse

During a May Board of County Commissioners meeting, the contents of a 71-year-old time capsule were unveiled. The time capsule was discovered in the old Courthouse during demolition and included photographs, newspapers, event programs and more. Johnson County is currently accepting suggestions for a new time capsule.

Johnson County hosts Juneteenth, Veterans Day events

Johnson County hosted two major community events in 2022: the inaugural Juneteenth Observance and the in-person return of the Veterans Day Observance.

The Juneteenth Observance took place June 19 at the Johnson County Square and featured speakers, music and more. The Veterans Day Observance took place Nov. 11 at the Lenexa National Guard Armory and honored veterans with presentation of colors and placement of memorial wreaths.

Johnson County earns LEED Gold certification for sustainability

Johnson County achieved a LEED Gold certification in April, one of just 25 local governments in the world to receive this certification. The LEED certification recognizes sustainability efforts in the areas of buildings, water, transportation and more. The achievement was celebrated in the fall at the Johnson County Courthouse.